Clause 6.1.5clarifiedMedium impact typical effort 2-4 hours
Planning actions — renumbered and outcome-focused
What changed in the 2026 revision
The old Clause 6.1.4 'Planning action' is renumbered to 6.1.5. Certification-body analysis: planning expectations are 'sharper and more outcomes-focused' with a clearer line from environmental aspects and compliance obligations to concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
What auditors will look for
Ensure your planning process creates a clear line of sight from identified risks and aspects through to concrete, measurable actions. Each significant risk or aspect should have a corresponding planned action with defined owner, timeline, and expected outcome.
How to close the gap
- 1Review that every significant risk/aspect has a planned action
- 2Ensure each action has: owner, timeline, expected outcome
- 3Link actions to environmental objectives where appropriate
- 4Establish how action effectiveness will be evaluated
Does your documentation meet this requirement?
Free scan checks this and the other 40 tracked changes against your actual EMS documents.
More changes in Clause 6
6.1.4 — Risks and opportunities — restructured into d…6.1.2 — Environmental aspects — lifecycle perspective…6.1.2 — Emergency situations separated from abnormal …6.3 — Planning and managing of changes (NEW clause)6.2 — Environmental objectives and planning to achi…6.1.3 — Compliance obligations — determined, accessib…
Planning your transition timeline? Use the free deadline calculator →